Initiative promoted by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil in conjunction with AUGM.

The call for applications for the Latin American and Caribbean Cooperation Program for Science and Technology “Pepe Mujica” is now open. This joint initiative of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) of Brazil and the Association of Universities Group Montevideo (AUGM) aims to strengthen scientific, technological and innovation cooperation between Brazil and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The proposal stems from a series of meetings initiated in 2023 between rectors of AUGM member universities and Brazilian government officials, with the aim of developing new tools for the internationalization of research and postgraduate training. The figure of former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica, who participated in these exchanges, inspires this initiative, which is centered on a strategic vision of regional integration.

Funding for scientific cooperation

The call for proposals anticipates the allocation of up to 50 million reais, from Brazil's National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT), to be implemented between 2026 and 2030. The funds will be distributed equally between scholarships and operating costs, with the aim of ensuring effective conditions for the implementation of the selected projects.

Proposals may be submitted in two formats:

• Thematic Research Networks, with financing of up to 1.500.000 reais per project.
• Bilateral Collaborative Projects, with financing of up to 400.000 reais per project.

In line with its regional integration approach, the program will allocate 10% of the total amount (5 million reais) exclusively to projects involving AUGM member universities, thus promoting the network's active participation in strategic cooperation initiatives. Additionally, 30% of the funds will be allocated to institutions in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions of Brazil, contributing to a more equitable distribution of scientific capabilities.

The proposals must be framed within priority thematic areas for the region, including environment and sustainability; food and agriculture; energy and mining; health; information technologies; and human and social sciences with an emphasis on regional problems such as inequalities, migrations, environmental dynamics and historical, educational and cultural processes.

This call represents a strategic tool to consolidate and expand research networks in Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthen the regional critical mass and promote joint projects with an impact on public policies and sustainable development.

The call will remain open until April 30 and represents an opportunity to deepen regional academic integration, reaffirming AUGM's commitment to science based on cooperation, complementarity of capabilities and shared development.

To access the terms and conditions of the call for applications, click here.